Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in southwest France in the center of the wine region. This 18th century city has been recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

We arrived in Bordeaux with a perfectly in time morning flight from Milano Malpensa to Merignac Airport terminal Billi. Because our too heavy luggages, we decided to take a taxi. 20 minutes after and 30 euros less in our pockets, we were ready to do the check-in in our hotel located in front of the Grand Théâtre.

The 10 top things you can’t miss in Bordeaux.

Wandering around Bordeaux, getting lost in the quaint and relaxing streets of the city made our day. I suggest to stroll around its streets to find the small squares filled with many restaurants and wine bars in order to experience the architecture and touch with your hands the bordelaise culture. Bordeaux is small enough to walk around, at least take one of the several tram and with just 1.50 you will be everywhere.

Visit the Grand Theatre with its magnificent neo-classical façade and Corinthian columns. A blue and gold auditorium will wait for you just buying a 5 euro ticket.

Shopping lovers? Walk along Rue Sainte-Catherine, this shopping street is about 1 mile long, which makes it the longest in Europe.

Have a brunch at Karl. This bar located at Place du Parlement offers one of the best experience for a brunch. Good food and good atmosphere will transform your staying in something perfect

Take a picture to Palais de la Bourse – This harmonious palace in front of the the miroir d’eau – a great expanse of shallow water – reflects the palace, as if opening up a different dimension. The effect at night, when floodlit, is mesmerising.

Visit Musée d’Aquitaine. This museum covers the history of the region from pre-history onwards. The last sessions, especially the one about the slave trade is particularly rewarding. The entrance costs only 4 euros ( 2 if you are a student) and it opens Tue-Sun, 11am-6pm; closed Mon.

Don’t miss the Esplanade des Quinconces the biggest emptiest square in France. This spot honors local philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu, but what will catch your attention will be the big fountain, Le Monument aux Girondins.

Taste one of the local specialties, the Bordeaux Canelé. This small pastry flavored with rum and vanilla, caramelized on the outside and chewy on the inside is perfect with a hot coffee after a long walk. For the best canelés, go to the many Baillardan stores.

Walk along the banks of the Garonne river where old warehouses on the Quai de Bacalan have recently renewed and have become shops, bars and cafés. Sip a drink or a glass of wine during sunset and watch the boats sailing the river passing under the highest european lift bridge

Have a visit of Saint Emilion, This beautiful old wine town is easily reachable by train. Admire the beauty of this small villages and its vineyards around.